> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.minimalmacropad.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Install MinimalPad Studio Firmware on Your Device

> Download the minimalpad_with_studio firmware artifact from GitHub Actions and flash it to your MinimalPad using a USB-C cable and the UF2 bootloader.

Flashing the firmware installs the base software onto your MinimalPad's microcontroller. You need to do this when setting up a new device, recovering from broken or incompatible firmware, or updating to a newer firmware version. The process takes only a few minutes and does not require any programming tools.

<Warning>
  You need a **data-capable USB-C cable** for firmware flashing. A charge-only cable will not expose the bootloader drive. If the drive doesn't appear after double-clicking reset, try a different cable first.
</Warning>

## The Right Firmware Build

The firmware repository produces two builds. You want **`minimalpad_with_studio`** — this is the only build that includes the Studio communication layer. Without it, MinimalPad Studio cannot connect to your device.

## Steps

<Steps>
  ### Go to the firmware repository

  Open [https://github.com/TimoWielink/zmk-config-minimalpad](https://github.com/TimoWielink/zmk-config-minimalpad) in your browser.

  ### Open the Actions tab

  Click **Actions** in the top navigation bar of the repository page.

  ### Open the most recent successful run

  Click the most recent workflow run that shows a green checkmark. A green checkmark means the build completed without errors.

  ### Scroll to Artifacts

  Scroll to the bottom of the workflow run page until you see the **Artifacts** section.

  ### Download the correct artifact

  Click **`minimalpad_with_studio`** to download it. The file downloads as a `.zip` archive.

  ### Unzip the archive

  Unzip the downloaded file. Inside you will find a `.uf2` file. This is the firmware file you will copy to your MinimalPad.

  ### Connect MinimalPad to your computer

  Plug your MinimalPad into your computer using a data-capable USB-C cable.

  ### Enter bootloader mode

  **Double-click the reset button** on the bottom of the MinimalPad. After the second click, a USB mass storage drive appears on your computer.

  <Note>
    The drive name varies by controller. On a Nice!Nano V2 it appears as **NICENANO**. On a generic nRF52840 clone it may appear with a different name. Either way, look for a new removable drive appearing in your file manager or on your desktop.
  </Note>

  ### Drag and drop the UF2 file

  Drag the `.uf2` file from your Downloads folder onto the bootloader drive, just as you would copy any file to a USB drive.

  ### Wait for the device to restart

  The drive disappears automatically as soon as the copy completes. MinimalPad restarts itself with the new firmware — no eject or button press needed.

  ### Connect in Studio

  Open [MinimalPad Studio](https://studio.minimalmacropad.com/) in Chrome or Edge and connect your device. You are ready to configure your keys.

  <Note>
    No unlock step is required. As soon as Studio connects, you can start editing immediately.
  </Note>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

If the bootloader drive does not appear after double-clicking reset, check the following:

* Make sure you are using a data-capable USB-C cable, not a charge-only cable.
* Try varying the speed of the double-click — some controllers respond to a specific timing.
* Try a different USB port or a different cable.

If the drive still does not appear, see [Recovery](/firmware/recover) for additional steps.